Background: Previous research has demonstrated the likely benefits of partograph use in low-resourced settings. However, the challenges of completing a partograph are also reported. The objective of this study was to examine students’ views and experiences of partograph use to gain understanding of the realities of using this tool in the labour ward. Methods: In a qualitative study, 51 student nurses, undertaking their maternity placement at a university in Nairobi, Kenya, participated in five focus group discussions. Data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: Four main themes emerged from the analyses: challenges to ‘doing the right thing’; theory-practice disconnectedness; negative role models; and retrospective recording. Conclusions: The results provide insight into the challenges faced by students when practising in the labour ward environment. A more effective approach to partograph training and implementation should be adopted to support students. However, student midwife training is unlikely to be implemented into practice unless the qualified team supports their learning. Given that the partograph had little status in the labour ward, change may only happen when senior health professionals (midwives and obstetricians) lead by example. Further research is required to explore the views of obstetricians and qualified midwives on partograph use. Appropriate implementation strategies also warrant further investigation.

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The CABI African Soil Health Consortium (ASHC) aims to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through better access to practical information about integrated soil fertility management. The next phase focuses on two types of intermediaries to reach smallholder farmers: agro-dealers and youth. This review reflects this focus and is therefore biased towards recent publications relevant to these intermediaries and also the impact of gender on provision of and access to agricultural information. There is a consistent demand for information on new varieties, pests and diseases, use of pesticides and fertilizer, as well as weather, credit and markets. The most frequently used sources of information are still the more traditional ones. Extension services, family, friends and neighbours, and agro-dealers are all important face-to-face sources of information. Radio dominates as the main mass media source. Local agro-dealers are often included by smallholder farmers among the most frequently used sources of information and they enjoy a degree of trust. There has been considerable investment by donors in extending and strengthening agro-dealer networks over recent years, including more emphasis on their roles as sources of information and advice. A new type of tech-savvy young entrepreneurial farmer is emerging who is more likely to wield a smartphone than a hoe. This is especially important against a background in which, despite the median age in African being just 19.7 years, the average age of farmers is estimated to be over 55. Family farming is receiving renewed emphasis. During its phase 2, which will run from 2015 to 2019, ASHC will share its experiences, successes and failures, and lessons learned in working with agro-dealers and youth intermediaries. In this way it aims to help others to communicate their key messages more effectively including via these intermediaries.

Purpose:We assessed the effectiveness of Village-based Advisors (VBAs) as a novel approach for scaling up improved common bean technologies in southern highlands of Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach: Data were gathered through focus group discussions (FGDs) and interviews with 11 VBAs and 102 farmers (37% female). The effectiveness of VBAs was assessed based on farmer reach, farmer knowledge, and application of new technologies. Findings: VBAs played important roles in reaching a wide audience of farmers, with common bean technologies. There was evidence of uptake of promoted common bean practices by farmers, enhanced by judicious incentives such as higher yields, increased land productivity, and labor-saving. VBAs shared information mainly through farm visits and community meetings. Extension materials facilitated VBA engagement of farmers even in informal settings, enhancing information flow beyond village boundaries. The current success of the VBA approach stems from the fact that VBAs are motivated by the rewards they receive -both cash and non-cash. Practical implications: VBAs are relevant in scaling up improved common bean technologies in rural Tanzania and similar settings, because of farmer understanding and trust. For sustainability, there is need to develop a more systematic incentive structure for VBAs through business development, and knowledge enhancement to keep pace with innovations to address emerging production challenges. Theoretical implications: Access to extension service providers who are knowledgeable of farmers' context enhances learning and uptake of innovations. Originality/value: Results fill information gap on the effectiveness of VBAs as knowledge and input disseminators, achieving scale of farmer reach with agricultural innovations. ARTICLE HISTORY